Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Stand By

I know you just can't wait for more vegetables.  Who can't?


Things are going well, and I have more photos for you, but I am so, SO busy (but in a good, that's-just-life kind of way).

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Asparagus - Simple

Kid Rating: 2 out of 3 liked it
Do again? Yes


To store in refrigerator: cut off bottom of stems and place
in container with water. Change water each day.

Preparation:
Cut into bite-size pieces.
Rinse in colander.
Heat a Tbs of butter (more or less to taste) in pan.
Sauté asparagus in butter for 3-4 minutes.
Sprinkle with salt.
(You could try a lighter oil or broth or just
water instead of the butter like I did.)

Family Review:
10 y.o. - is fine with it
9 y.o. - likes it
5 y.o. - doesn't like it but gets points for trying
Hubby - "You've done better." -- He thought he was trying green beans when I gave him the taste-test. When I told him it was asparagus, he was more pleased. He said it was good (for asparagus -- my words).
Me - I'm not a fan of asparagus. I liked the crunchiness, though. It was a little bitter but I ate it with my rice.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Jicama = Yam Bean = Mexican Turnip

Kid Rating: 2 out of my 3 like it (plus neighborhood kids)
Do Again: Yes!


My parents first introduced me to jicama when I was a teen. I just learned that 1 cup of jicama gives 24% of our daily fiber requirement and 40% of our Vitamin C requirement. Here is some nutritional info. Here is more info from Wikipedia.


Jicama (HICKamah) is a tuberous root that can be found in normal grocery stores (at least the stores in AZ, VA, IL and UT where I've lived). It's crunchy with a mild, sweet flavor. If an apple, pear and a potato had a baby together, this would be their baby.


Great water, fiber, and Vitamin C content


I slice and store it in water for a snack later.
Family Review:
5 y.o. - He spit it out. I tried his piece. It wasn't as good as the others; I think it was a bruised section. He has eaten it in the past.
9 y.o. - LOVES jicama. She requests it.
10 y.o. - Not excited about it but will eat it if I give him a little bit.
Hubby - I forgot to ask. It was all gone before I could give him some for an official opinion. He eats it though.
Me - I like it. I like it more now that I know of some of its benefits.


Our neighbor girl really likes it, too. I wrap some up for her and send it over. I've been a leader of a girls' activity group where I've served jicama as a snack. I'd say about 2/3 of the 8 year-olds in the group liked it.


I've never cooked with it although I have put it in salads. It's usually just an afternoon snack.